miRNA mediated gene regulatory network analysis of Cichorium intybus (chicory)

Cichorium intybus commonly known as chicory, is an important medicinal plants having different therapeutic properties. Several studies have been done on plant miRNAs for understanding their role in biological functions. However, no miRNAs are reported in miRBase for the genus C. intybus. In the present study, we used a homology based search and in-silico approach for identifying miRNA in C. intybus. Twenty eight potential miRNA families were predicted. Out of 28 predicted miRNA families, 17 were found to regulate 349 target transcripts and play important role in different biological, cellular and metabolic process. To understand the miRNA mediated gene regulatory control and to validate predicted miRNA targets, a biological network was also constructed. Further study of C. intybus miRNA regulation mechanisms may help us to know more about the important roles of miRNAs in C. intybus.